Mikel Arteta
Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Ezri Konsa's arrival at Arsenal could have a knock-on effect for Cristhian Mosquera as three clubs are reportedly plotting moves.
The Gunners signed Konsa after William Saliba suffered a back injury at the World Cup. The Frenchman is expected to be on the sidelines for months, and Arteta sought to bring in an experienced replacement.
Konsa arrived from Aston Villa in a £55 million deal last week and is expected to partner Gabriel Magalhaes in central defence. The Premier League champions eased to a 3-0 victory over newly-promoted Coventry City in their season opener.
Mosquera started in the win over the Sky Blues, but Konsa could displace him in Arteta's backline moving forward. The young Spaniard only arrived at the Emirates last summer, but the club's defensive reinforcement has led to talk of a possible exit before the transfer window closes.
Mosquera Linked With Arsenal Exit
Cristhian Mosquera in action for Arsenal
Cristhian Mosquera in action for Arsenal
Mosquera came in and out of Arteta's starting lineup last season and caught the eye with impressive performances. He started nine of 20 league games, getting to grips with English football after joining from Valencia for £13 million.
According to CaughtOffside, Mosquera's future is set to be determined by Arteta, but the 22-year-old is attracting interest. Fenerbahce are expected to make an approach for the Spaniard, whose value is thought to have risen to around £30-35m.
The Turkish giants are likely to make a "tempting pitch to the player" ahead of the deadline day on Tuesday (September 1st). Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are also preparing approaches for the young centre-back.
It is noted that while Mosquera isn't an undisputed starter, Arteta rates him "highly" and will try to convince him to stay. That could mean guaranteeing him regular game time and assuring him that he'll rotate with Konsa.
Arteta spoke glowingly of Mosquera after he arrived from Valencia last summer:
New signing Arsenal's Ezri Konsa is presented to the crowd inside the stadium before the match
New signing Arsenal's Ezri Konsa is presented to the crowd inside the stadium before the match
Konsa is ready to make his debut as soon as this Monday, ironically against his former club, Villa. Arteta might have to decide whether to quieten the noise around Mosquera's future by continuing with him alongside Gabriel or making the change.
Arsenal transfer targets
Arteta Needs To Think Long Term
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta
Mosquera has impressed during the early stages of his Arsenal career but will want regular game time now that he's in his second season. He is a great option for Arteta as he can play at full-back as well as in central defence.
The Gunners possess strong depth at the back, and it's inevitable that one or two of their defenders are linked with moves away. The question Arteta has to ask himself is whether he can guarantee the Spaniard reasonable first-team opportunities or bite the bullet and sell for a decent profit.
If a £30-35m offer arrives for Mosquera, that could prove tempting for the North Londoners if they wish to balance the books. It's worth keeping in mind that Saliba is only 25 and the likes of Piero Hincapie, 25, and Riccardo Calafiori, 24, are likely viewed as long-term replacements for Gabriel, 28.
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta